Legendary American R&B singer-songwriter Peabo Bryson has died at the age of 75, his family confirmed, following complications from a stroke.
According to a statement released by his family, Bryson passed away on June 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
They described him as a cherished global artiste whose voice and music touched millions across generations.
A two-time Grammy Award winner, Bryson built a career spanning more than five decades, earning recognition as one of R&B’s most distinctive vocalists and one of the industry’s most in-demand duet partners.
His solo classics included If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Can You Stop the Rain, and Feel the Fire, which helped establish his reputation as a leading voice in romantic soul music.
He achieved even greater global acclaim through iconic collaborations, including Tonight, I Celebrate My Love with Roberta Flack, a track widely regarded as one of the defining love ballads of the 1980s.
He also worked with artists such as Natalie Cole, Kenny G, and Whitney Houston, further solidifying his status as a premier collaborator.
Bryson’s international fame reached new heights in the early 1990s through his Disney soundtrack contributions.
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His duet Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion won a Grammy Award in 1993, while A Whole New World, performed with Regina Belle for Aladdin, became a global hit and topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, he began his career with the group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display before launching his solo journey in the 1970s.
Over the decades, he released more than 20 albums and earned eight Grammy nominations, becoming known for his rich baritone voice and emotionally expressive performances.
His family said he had suffered a stroke in late May and was receiving medical care before his passing.
They also noted he had previously recovered from a heart attack in 2019, though his condition worsened in recent weeks.
Bryson died peacefully, just weeks before scheduled performances in Oakland, California.
Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and industry colleagues, who described his music as a soundtrack to love, celebration, and cherished memories.
Bryson is remembered as one of the defining voices of romantic R&B, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of artists.